Installing a Tile Backsplash in my Casita Travel Trailer

I thought the tile backsplash would be one of the easier projects to complete since the space is small, and I have worked with tile and grout on bigger projects.

I was wrong…

That assumption resulted in my one honest mistake during this makeover (which I couldn’t fix).

But before I move on, I’d like you to look closely at the photo below.

You will note that behind the sink’s faucet, there is a small wire shelf. Removing this will be the first step for installing the tile backsplash.

But before we start installing the new tile backsplash,

I want to point out all my changes to the Casita.

The photo below shows big changes, from the chalk-painted cabinet doors to the teal paint added to the cooktop and fridge to the wood vinyl flooring! 🙂

Step 1: Removal of Wire Storage Shelf

Removing the storage shelf was easy. I pulled the shelf off the rivets and snipped the clips off the wall.

As you see in the photo below, this step leaves two small holes where the rivets used to be. Since I will be tiling and grouting the wall, I just left them as you see in this photo.

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Step 2: Installing the Glass Tile Backsplash

Initially, I thought I would cover the backsplash with those faux tin (plastic) embossed panels found at your local home supply store.

I’ve seen these panels used in many vintage campers (they are lightweight and look incredible), but a panel is a few inches too small for the backsplash of the Casita.

Since I only needed a couple of inches from a second panel, I was concerned about it properly adhering to the wall and the overall look.

Furthermore, I didn’t want to spend the money on an entire panel when I only needed a few inches.

Because of this problem, I chose glass tiles, specifically self-sticking tiles.

I decided to work with self-sticking tiles versus regular tiles to avoid having to prep the backsplash.

The idea of the tile sticking to the wall sounded like the perfect solution. My only concern was if they would stick — they do! Very well!

However, because of their firm grip and the backsplash of the Casita is slightly curved, you have one shot at aligning it properly! I wish I had known that before putting up the first piece!

My First Mistake

Looking carefully at the top row, you can see how the small individual glass tiles curve. This happened when I attempted to stretch it to the wall and fill the space on the left edge.

I attempted to pull the tile off and reposition it but immediately realized that this wouldn’t work and would only make things worse.
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If I were to do this again, I think a better solution would be working with two people; one person slowly pulls the paper off the back of the tile while the other person places the tile.

Unlike adhering tile with grout, where you can slide and push it a little, once the adhesive touches the surface, it wants to stay there, precisely what the product was designed to do.

Step 3:  Finish Adhering Tiles to Wall

It only took four tiles to complete the backsplash. As you can see in the picture below, my lines did not line up well because of my problems with the first tile. Ugh!

Oh well, I will learn to live with it…I guess. (Also, note the teal-painted range cover from my last post and that the glass tiles have a slight aqua-blue cast.)

Applying the Grout:

Even though these tiles are self-adhesive, you still have to grout them to fill the spaces between the small pieces of glass.

To grout the tile, I chose a sanded adhesive grout formula in white.

Since these tiles have a faint aqua color, I took out the amount of grout I needed, about a standard bowl size, and sprayed a little teal paint into the grout to give it a slight aqua blue cast.

This is a subtle effect, and the camera does not capture it well, but I feel it made a difference.

Now, you can apply the grout. Just spread it over the tiles, ensuring it fills all the gaps. I used a small wallpaper spreader to do this.

Once the gaps are filled, wipe down the surface and let it dry.

Once the grout is dry, you can remove the residue on the glass with a damp rag.

With the self-sticking tiles now held on by adhesive grout, I feel confident that nothing will cause those tiles to bounce off the wall.

The luck would have it, and I found this vintage 1970s spice rack at an antique store.

It is perfect for a small space, and I use it for spices and other small items. It also does a good job of concealing my mismatched tiles! 🙂

This project cost me less than $50.00, and I love the results! Adding the glass to the Casita added a nice sparkle to the interior.

Happy Trails!
Mrs. Padilly

Mrs. Padilly’s 17′ Spirit Deluxe Casita Travel Trailer’s Glamping Makeover Series:

Introduction:

• My Casita Travel Trailer’s “Before Glamping” Pictures.

Casita Glamping Makeover:

• Chalk Painting Cabinet Doors
• Adding Teal Paint to Accent Surfaces
• Installing a Tile Backsplash
• Installing Wood Vinyl Flooring
• Stenciling the Screen Door
• Window Treatments
• Dressed for Glamping

Check out my Shasta Makeover Series. Just click below to go to the first article in the series. 

• Decorating My Shasta’s Screen Door.